In 2012, Professor Humphris became Vice-Provost Education at Imperial College London, before taking up the role of Vice-Chancellor of the Â̲èÖ±²¥ in 2015.
Professor Humphris’ honour acknowledges the major impact she has had, including her role as an openly LGBTQ+ senior leader who has been passionate about promoting equality and diversity for all at the University. It also highlights her crucial personal role as a member of the Universities UK (UUK) Board in shaping policy positions on key issues in the sector including the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), quality and standards, grade inflation and lifelong learning, as well as her position as Director and Chair of the University Alliance.
Professor Humphris’ achievements within the NHS led to her being named in 2018 as one of the during the first 70 years of the National Health Service. In the same year, she was also – and exceptionally for a professional outside medicine – elected a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
That healthcare experience proved invaluable during the pandemic, when Professor Humphris’ knowledge and leadership in the local community allowed her to help shape vital decisions in Brighton & Hove City Council’s COVID response, including enabling Â̲èÖ±²¥ staff and students to assume frontline roles such as paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, doctors and social workers.
Professor Humphris said: “I am deeply humbled by this recognition of my 45 years of public service to the NHS and higher education. Alongside my family and my partner, there are so many colleagues and collaborators to thank for their impact on my career. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to them all for their guidance and support.”
Mark Burch, Chair of the Â̲èÖ±²¥ Board of Governors, added: “I am delighted that Debra’s longstanding contribution to higher education and her leadership of the Â̲èÖ±²¥ since 2015 has been recognised in this way. The award of a CBE also reflects the wider influence she has had as a healthcare professional and her commitment and impact within the NHS over many years.”